Egg

When can babies eat eggs?

Eggs may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Egg is a common food allergen, so consider baby’s risk factors and start with scant quantities of well-cooked egg (white and yolk) as some babies can have severe reactions to even the smallest amount of eggs.

Need ideas for the best first foods for babies? See our guides, like the Top 15 First Solid Foods for Babies

Warning

When serving eggs to baby, ensure that all parts of the egg are fully cooked, as eggs may contain Salmonella, a common bacterium which can result in foodborne illness in the intestinal tract, a risk offset by cooking eggs to 160° F (71°C), which may take slightly longer than you’re used to.^{1 2 3} Never use cracked or dirty eggs, which can increase the risk of foodborne illness.⁴

Background and uses of eggs

Much more than just a staple in cuisines across the globe, the egg has come to symbolize fertility, potential, and new life and plays a role in holidays from Christian Easter to Iranian New Year. The information here focuses on eggs from chickens, although a number of other animals’ eggs are commonly eaten (such as duck eggs, quail eggs, goose eggs, and others). Eggs are nature-made to be highly nutritious, making them an excellent early food for babies.

Chickens lay eggs regardless of whether they have been fertilized, and many modern chickens have been selectively bred for high egg production throughout the year. That said, eggs used to be a seasonal food, with egg laying at its peak when daylight was longest—consequently, diverse ways of preserving eggs for the winter developed, including salting, pickling, and fermenting them. It’s worth mentioning that eggs and milk are often found in the same refrigerated section of grocery stores, and both are animal products that we eat, but eggs are not a form of dairy, so families avoiding dairy can still prepare and eat eggs.

Are eggs healthy for babies?

Yes. Eggs are a terrific source of protein, with a complete amino acid profile (the building blocks of cells) and essential fats, including saturated fats, cholesterol, and DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) to build cell walls, and support brain growth and vision.⁵ Eggs are also rich in other B vitamins and folate, as well as selenium, zinc, and iodine, plus a small amount of iron (minimal in comparison to meat). Finally, they are one of the best sources of choline, an important nutrient for brain and nervous system development.⁶

Egg yolks are one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is vital for bone-building.⁷ Chickens raised outside can produce eggs with higher vitamin D levels as well as higher amounts of vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids than eggs from their counterparts raised inside industrial coops.^{8 9}

Purchasing eggs and deciphering food labels can be a dizzying process. Unfortunately, there is no perfect label to indicate the most ethically produced, environmentally friendly, and simultaneously most nutritious egg. Labels like “cage-free,” “free range,” “no antibiotics or hormones added” may sound like better options, but these terms often have loose definitions, and they don’t necessarily indicate that the eggs are more nutritious or produced more ethically.¹⁰ “Pasture raised” is not a distinction recognized by the USDA, so the term is used liberally, but can indicate that chickens regularly ate grasses and insects, which can pass on health benefits to their eggs.¹¹ Other certifications such as Animal Welfare Approved or Certified Humane are meant to indicate certain standards in the treatment of chickens.

While they often cost more than conventional eggs, pasture-raised eggs are still typically a less expensive protein source when compared to other animal proteins like meat and chicken. In some cases, local pasture-raised eggs may be cheaper than those from big brands and buying eggs in bulk and freezing extras may also help you get the most out of your dollar. For an even more budget-friendly approach, you can opt for omega-3 enriched eggs (the chickens are fed an omega-3 rich diet, which makes the eggs higher in omega-3s as well.)¹²

★Tip: Wondering if your eggs are past their prime? Try the water test. Fill up a glass with water and drop the egg in. If it sinks, or stands up (but not floating), it’s safe to eat. If it floats to the top, it’s likely spoiled.¹³

Are eggs a common choking hazard?

No, though in theory an individual can choke on any food. To minimize the risk, serve eggs in thin, wide omelet strips, mash or quarter hard boiled eggs, and serve alongside a drink in an open cup. Eggs often stick to the tongue or roof of the mouth and cause a fair amount of gagging. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

Are eggs a common food allergen?

Yes. Egg allergies are among the most common food allergies in babies with an estimated 2% of children allergic to eggs.¹⁴ The good news is that 70% of kids outgrow their egg allergy eventually.¹⁵ While the conventional wisdom was to wait on introducing eggs until around 2 years of age, we now know that there is no good reason to delay the introduction of egg into baby’s diet. In fact, there is evidence that early and sustained exposure to eggs in infancy can help prevent egg allergy from developing.^{16 17}

If you are introducing eggs to baby for the first time, it’s recommended to start with a small portion of well-cooked egg and watch carefully for signs of allergy or sensitivity. If well-tolerated, you can offer additional egg at baby’s usual feeding pace. Allergists recommend maintaining common allergens, including egg, in the diet at least a couple of times a week once introduced.

Some babies can have severe reactions to even the smallest amount of egg. Allergic reactions may include fussiness, lethargy, watery eyes, hives, rashes, itching, facial swelling, wheezing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. If the reaction is mild, stop feeding the egg and contact your baby’s doctor for further guidance. If the reaction is severe and/or baby is having trouble breathing or seems unusually lethargic call emergency services immediately as baby may be experiencing anaphylactic shock. Never rely solely on the presence of a red rash to alert you to an allergic reaction, especially in babies with melanated skin—hives, rashes, and flushing may not be obvious in darker skin tones.

A family history of food allergy is not typically a reason to defer egg introduction. However, if baby has severe eczema or another pre-existing food allergy, they may be at an increased risk of egg allergy. If this applies to your baby, reach out to your doctor before introducing egg, as they may suggest supervised egg introduction in the allergist’s office. If you believe your baby may be allergic to egg, make an appointment with a pediatric allergist. Many children with egg allergy can tolerate baked egg, and the allergist can help you determine if this would be an option for your baby.

Lastly, eggs are a known trigger of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, also known as FPIES. FPIES is a delayed allergy to food protein which causes the sudden onset of repetitive vomiting and diarrhea to begin a few hours after ingestion. Left untreated, the reaction can result in significant dehydration. Thankfully, FPIES which presents early in life is generally outgrown by the time the child has reached 3-5 years of age.¹⁸

Can babies eat hard-boiled eggs?

Yes, though hard-boiled eggs present more of a choking hazard as the dry, chalky yolk can be challenging for young babies to move around in the mouth. While you can certainly offer quartered or sliced hard-boiled egg to babies 9 months and up (who are more able to pick up small pieces of food), other preparations like omelets and scrambled eggs fully integrate the yolk and white, making it more likely for babies to get that nutritious yolk into their bellies. If you do decide to offer hard-boiled eggs before 9 months of age, try smashing them into an egg salad with a little water, breast/human milk, formula, or yogurt to integrate the yolk more fully.

Is it safe for babies to eat runny or raw eggs?

Generally, no. Even though it is common in some cultures to offer raw egg yolks to baby, ideally, babies should not be served runny or raw eggs (including sunny-side up, over-easy, or soft-boiled), as consuming undercooked eggs increases the risk of contracting Salmonellosis (nontyphoidal Salmonella), a serious foodborne illness. That said, eggs with the British Lion Mark are generally considered safe to consume when runny or raw, since they are produced under very strict guidelines to help significantly reduce the risk of Salmonella.¹⁹ While runny Lion Mark eggs are considered safe for high-risk individuals like babies, pregnant persons, and the elderly, this does not apply to immunocompromised individuals.^{20 21 22}

Each year, Salmonellosis causes about 155,000 deaths worldwide and about 1.3 million infections in the United States.^{23 24} While eggs are one of several foods that can cause Salmonellosis, meat, chicken, vegetables, and dairy products are other foods that have also been associated with outbreaks.²⁵

Salmonellosis can cause a range of symptoms, the most common being fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Children under 5 years of age and individuals who are immunocompromised or have sickle cell disease are the most at risk for contracting Salmonellosis, and infants are at the highest risk of a more severe form of Salmonellosis, which can be deadly if not treated quickly with antibiotics.^{26 27 28 29} In most people, the symptoms will resolve without antibiotics or medical intervention within 4-7 days.³⁰

When can a child have runny eggs?

This is a personal decision for which you must calculate risk, as there is no defined age at which runny or raw eggs become definitively safe. Children under 5 years of age, immunocompromised individuals, and those with sickle cell disease are among those at highest risk of severe food poisoning from Salmonella, so it’s best to err on the side of safety and avoid serving undercooked eggs to babies and children.^{31 32}

For some individuals, it is culturally important to offer runny eggs to their children. In these situations, consider the risk in the context of your culture and your individual child’s health and needs. The risk of illness can be reduced by:^{33 34}

• Purchasing pasteurized eggs and egg products.
• Purchasing eggs from hens that have been vaccinated against Salmonella (such as Lion Mark eggs in the United Kingdom).³⁵
• Refraining from buying or using any visibly dirty or cracked eggs. If you do have a dirty egg, gently rub off the visible soilage with a brush or cloth rather than washing it.³⁶
• Refrigerating eggs at 40°F (4°C) or colder at all times.
• Washing hands and anything else (utensils, dishes, countertops, etc.) that has come into contact with raw eggs with soap and water.
• Refraining from keeping eggs and foods made with egg warm or at room temperature for more than 2 hours. If room temperature is 90°F or hotter, cooked egg and foods made with egg should be refrigerated or discarded after 1 hour.
  • Note: unfrosted baked goods (such as bread and muffins) are an exception, and may be stored at room temperature (about 70 degrees F or 21 degrees C or lower) for up to 5 days.
• Consuming refrigerated leftover dishes that contain eggs within 3-4 days.³⁷

Can babies and toddlers eat eggs every day?

Yes, it is fine for children to eat eggs daily. Eggs are nutritious and versatile and are typically affordable and accessible as well. In some cases, repeatedly eating eggs prepared in the same way daily may lead to a child tiring of the food and potentially rejecting the food down the line. To help avoid taste fatigue, try offering eggs in a variety of forms and, as always, offer a diverse diet to ensure balanced nutrition and a healthy relationship with food.

Concerned about baby’s cholesterol intake? Recent research has shown that dietary cholesterol does not appear to contribute to cardiovascular risk but rather supports the human body in many ways.³⁸

How can eggs affect baby's poop?

Egg isn’t generally considered as a food that promotes pooping. That said, it can play a supporting role in healthy bowel movements as a part of a balanced and varied diet. Pooping patterns can vary significantly from baby to baby, so be sure to talk to your pediatric healthcare provider if you have concerns about your baby’s pooping or digestive function.

How do you introduce eggs to babies with baby-led weaning?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. In determining the recommendations for size and shape of foods, we use the best available scientific information regarding gross, fine, and oral motor development to minimize choking risk. The preparation suggestions we offer are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for child-specific, one-on-one advice from your pediatric medical or health professional or provider. It is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking on any liquid, puree, or food. We advise you to follow all safety protocols we suggest to create a safe eating environment and to make educated choices for your child regarding their specific needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.

6 to 9 months old: The easiest way to introduce eggs for this age is via a well-cooked omelet cut into rectangular strips about the size of two adult fingers held together. This shape makes it easy for babies to hold and eat independently. If baby is having a hard time picking up food from the table or high chair, try handing egg strips over in the air vertically. Want to serve hard-boiled eggs? Simply mash with water, avocado, breast (human) milk, formula, or yogurt if dairy has been safely introduced.

9 to 12 months old: At this age, baby’s pincer grasp (where the thumb and pointer finger meet) is developing, enabling baby to pick up smaller pieces of food. As such, this is a great time to reduce the size to small, bite-size pieces of omelets, scrambled egg, or hard-boiled egg (quartered or small pieces). With hard-boiled eggs, offer water in a cup along with the hard-boiled egg to help with managing the dry yolk. If baby is struggling to pick up small pieces of food, it’s absolutely fine to continue to offer omelet strips, and of course, you can always mash eggs with milk, formula, or foods like avocado or yogurt for scooping or pre-loaded utensils.

12 to 24 months old: Explore a wide variety of egg preparations, cutting omelets and hard-boiled eggs into small pieces and continuing to make sure the eggs are thoroughly cooked. This is a great time to work on forks, and little omelet squares can be great for utensil practice. Egg cups are also an excellent way to serve a nutritious breakfast that can be made ahead of time, frozen, and warmed. Offering an egg cup also allows toddlers to practice taking accurate bites. Want to serve a whole hard-boiled egg? Go for it. Just have a cup of milk or water nearby to help wash down the chalky yolk.

Introducing common allergens to babies can be scary, but our First 100 Days: Daily Meal Plan for Starting Solids takes you step by step.

What are recipe ideas for cooking with eggs?

The versatility of eggs is a marvel of kitchen chemistry. They can be hard-boiled, soft-boiled, poached, fried, and scrambled; in baking, they have a vital role in pie crusts, sweet breads, custards, souffles, meringues, and so much more. Because of their chemical composition, eggs also absorb other flavors and liquids well, as can be seen in the traditional Chinese snack chá yè dàn or “tea egg,” a hard-boiled egg that is then cracked and placed in a spiced tea mixture to steep. While many egg preparations are generally savory, sweet eggs are fine as a once-in-awhile food for children and are popular in some parts of the world. Khagineh, for example, is an omelet from Iran made with sugar, butter, and spices.

★Tip: Did you know raw eggs can be frozen if you take them out of the shell? If you find yourself with extra eggs and don’t want them to go to waste, here’s how to freeze raw egg.

Reviewed by

J. Truppi, MSN, CNS

V. Kalami, MNSP, RD, CSP

K. Grenawitzke, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC, CNT

S. Bajowala, MD, FAAAAI, Board-Certified Allergist and Immunologist (allergy section)

R. Ruiz, MD, FAAP Board-Certified General Pediatrician and Pediatric Gastroenterologist

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